Max Verstappen spoke to Mercedes about a possible move within Formula 1 – but the Dutchman feels right at home at Red Bull
Mercedes has made an effort to sign Max Verstappen, at least there have been talks between the Formula 1 world champion and team boss Toto Wolff. But the Dutchman sees no reason to leave Red Bull for another team after winning his fourth title. His contract still runs until 2028, and unlike in other sports, such work papers are usually fulfilled in the premier class.
“You never know what’s going to happen next year or two years from now,” says Max Verstappen. “It’s out of my hands, so I don’t think about it. I’m happy where I am now, we won another world championship. Of course, the car needs to be improved, but this is the logical step. I feel comfortable in the team and can be who I am here.” Red Bull was overtaken by McLaren and Ferrari in the Constructors’ Championship in the second half of the 2024 season, and their initial dominance melted away.
While in ball sports such as football, players are regularly bought out of contracts by rival teams for exorbitant sums, Formula One drivers are often loyal to their teams. “It’s not like in football, where you sign a four- or five-year contract and leave after a year. That is absolutely not the intention,” clarifies Verstappen, who nevertheless talked to Wolff about a possible move but ultimately rejected it.
Verstappen sees himself as a loyal driver
According to Verstappen, such a change would not suit his character, as he describes himself as a loyal person. “I just feel at home here,” the 27-year-old clarifies. He has been part of the Red Bull Formula One team since 2015 and has won the drivers’ title four times since then. The relationship with the team seems to be working and, above all, the collaboration is successful in sporting terms.
But things are not without controversy at Red Bull either, such as the chat affair between Christian Horner and his power struggle with Helmut Marko. Verstappen’s father Jos criticized Horner and even called for his resignation. In addition, key team members Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley left the team. All of this could have persuaded the Dutchman to make a change, but Verstappen deliberately decided against a change of scenery.
Nevertheless, the world champion leaves his future open: “I’m still young and a lot can still happen.” Regarding his talks with Mercedes, he says: “Of course we talk to each other. I’m not lying about that, and the fact is that we sat down together. We had constructive talks and I think that everyone has always been open and transparent with each other.”
Verstappen is also thinking outside the box when planning his future, because the Dutchman not only has his sights set on Formula 1, but also wants to try out different disciplines in his sports career and for that he needs the right partner at some point. “But I don’t have to make a decision yet,” he clarifies.
“After my time in Formula 1, I have various goals: long-distance, my own team, there are many possibilities. Of course, there has to be a program at the end. The question is: who do I want to do it with? Of course, I am also having such conversations.” Mercedes is not the only manufacturer to be considered, because Verstappen also mentions Ferrari, Aston Martin or brands that are not involved in the premier class. “Red Bull also does a lot of things outside of Formula 1,” he clarifies.